Gicquel-Delrue triumphs in mixed doubles
Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue, ranked world No. 5, defeated the world No. 1 pair Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping 22-20, 19-21, 21-15 in the World Championships final in New Delhi. The match lasted 1 h 18 min. The French duo captured the most prestigious title of their careers.
Lanier dominates men’s singles
Alex Lanier then secured the world title in men’s singles by beating Japan’s Kodai Naraoka 21-11, 21-11. The victory was decisive, with a lopsided scoreline, adding a second gold medal to his résumé.
A historic moment for France
It is the first time French players have won world titles in badminton. Seventeen years after Pi Hongyan earned France’s first World Championships medal in 2009, the country now sees a pair and a player claim world titles on the same weekend.
Champions’ reflections
Delphine Delrue said, “It’s an incredible moment for us…”. Gicquel added, “We were ready to win every match…”. Both emphasized the importance of staying focused, game by game, throughout the tournament.
The pair’s rise
The duo finished runners-up at the All England Championships and reached the semi-finals at the Indonesia and China Super 1000 earlier this year. In 2023, they won bronze in Paris.
Strategy and performance
The pair displayed tactical mastery, especially at the net, where they neutralised Huang’s influence. Their play combined speed, precision and excellent reading of the opponent’s game.
Impact on French badminton
This double victory marks a turning point for French badminton, showcasing the country’s competitiveness at the highest level. The results have sparked enthusiasm in clubs and federations.
Next steps
The champions are now preparing for upcoming tournaments, including the World Tour and the Olympic Games. They aim to consolidate their position and continue their ascent.
Conclusion
The success of Gicquel-Delrue and Lanier demonstrates that French badminton is now competitive on the world stage, paving the way for future international triumphs.
